Laxman Utekar
Laxman Utekar | |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupations | |
| Years active | 2007–present |
Laxman Utekar is an Indian filmmaker, cinematographer and director known for his work in Hindi and Marathi films.
Utekar started his career as a director of photography in Hindi cinema with films such as English Vinglish and Dear Zindagi. He made his directorial debut in 2013 with Tapaal.[1] He went on to direct the romantic comedy Luka Chuppi (2019) and the drama Mimi (2021).
Career
[edit]Utekar started his career as a director of photography in Hindi cinema in 2007 with Khanna & Iyer. He then went on to work on English Vinglish, Dear Zindagi, Hindi Medium and 102 Not Out. He made his directorial debut in 2014 with Marathi film Tapaal. He then directed Lalbaugchi Rani (2016), a slice of life drama about a mentally challenged girl who gets lost in Mumbai.
Utekar first Hindi film as director was the romantic comedy Luka Chuppi (2019) which starred Kartik Aaryan and Kriti Sanon as a couple in a live in relationship and the chaos ensues when their traditional families assume them to be married to each other.[2] The film received generally positive reviews and emerged as commercial success at the box office, with a total gross collection of ₹128.86 crore (US$15 million).[3][4]
In 2021, Utekar directed and co-wrote with Rohan Shankar the drama Mimi. A remake of the Marathi film Mala Aai Vhhaychy! (2011). the film reunited him with Sanon, in the titular role of a young woman who opts to be a surrogate mother for a foreign couple. Following the non-existent theatrical releases due to COVID-19 pandemic, the film was released through the streaming services Netflix and JioCinema.[5] The film received positive reviews from critics, with Renuka Vyahare of The Times of India nothing that "it picks a relevant topic and turns it into an engaging, empowering and compassionate tale on humanity and motherhood".[6] Taran Adarsh wrote, “Mimi is a heartwarming saga, aimed at families and it will keep the audience thoroughly entertained.”[7]
Filmography
[edit]| † | Denotes films that have not yet been released |
| Year | Film | Director | Cinematographer | Language | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Khanna & Iyer | Yes | Hindi | [8] | |
| 2009 | Blue | Yes | Hindi | ||
| 2012 | English Vinglish | Yes | Hindi | [8] | |
| 2014 | Tapaal | Yes | Yes | Marathi | [9] |
| 2016 | Dear Zindagi | Yes | Hindi | [8] | |
| 2016 | Lalbaugchi Rani | Yes | Marathi | [10] | |
| 2017 | Hindi Medium | Yes | Hindi | [8] | |
| 2018 | 102 Not Out | Yes | Hindi | [8] | |
| 2019 | Luka Chuppi | Yes | Hindi | [8] | |
| 2021 | Mimi | Yes | Hindi | [11] | |
| 2023 | Zara Hatke Zara Bachke | Yes | Hindi | [12] | |
| 2024 | Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya | Yes | Hindi | ||
| Chhaava † | Yes | Hindi | [13] |
References
[edit]- ^ "Luka Chuppi director Laxman Utekar: Wanted to tell a story which reflects Indian colours". The Indian Express. 28 February 2019. Retrieved 6 March 2019.
- ^ Roshmila Bhattacharya (2 July 2018). "Kriti Sanon, Kartik Aaryan in a romcom based in Mathura". Mumbai Mirror. Retrieved 17 April 2019.
- ^ Taran Adarsh [@taran_adarsh] (28 February 2019). "A situational comedy with a message... Relatable premise, clean humour, foot tapping music, loads of entertainment... Superb climax... Kartik Aaryan top notch, Kriti Sanon damn good. Recommended!" (Tweet). Retrieved 17 April 2019 – via Twitter.
- ^ "Worldwide Highest Grossing Bollywood Movies on 2019". Bollywood Hungama. Retrieved 4 May 2019.
- ^ "Mimi: Kriti Sanon's film releases four days early after online leak". Hindustan Times. 26 July 2021. Retrieved 27 July 2021.
- ^ Mimi Review: A moving take on motherhood and a sense of belonging, retrieved 27 July 2021
- ^ "Mimi Movie Review: Kriti Sanon starrer MIMI is a heartwarming saga, aimed at families and it will keep the audience thoroughly entertained. Strongly recommended". Bollywood Hungama.
- ^ a b c d e f "Luka Chuppi director Laxman Utekar: Wanted to tell a story which reflects Indian colours". The Indian Express. 28 February 2019. Retrieved 1 June 2019.
- ^ Hungama, Bollywood (15 September 2014). "Tingya director Mangesh Hadawale turns Creative Producer for Laxman Utekar's Tapaal | Bollywood News - Bollywood Hungama". Bollywood Hungama. Retrieved 1 June 2019.
- ^ "Director Laxman Utekar Found 'Lalbaugchi Rani' during SRK's Don-2 Shoot - MarathiCineyug.com | Marathi Movie News | TV Serials | Theatre". marathicineyug.com. Archived from the original on 6 June 2016. Retrieved 1 June 2019.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ "Laxman Utekar: Feel hurt because we worked hard on film". www.mid-day.com. 28 July 2021. Retrieved 30 July 2021.
- ^ "Zara Hatke Zara Bach Ke: Sara Ali Khan and Vicky Kaushal starrer receives a title". Bollywood Hungama. 13 April 2023. Retrieved 13 April 2023.
- ^ "From Stree 2 to Tehran: Maddock Films announces 10 films for theatrical release, deets inside". Bollywood Hungama. 3 October 2023. Retrieved 3 March 2024.
External links
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